Don't Emerge from Halloween Looking Like a Pumpkin

A few tips to survive the holiday of sweets and treats
Photo: Katmystiry

Halloween is this weekend. How will you keep from looking like that cute, round jack-o-lantern that you carved this past weekend?

Beyond the Reese's Peanut Butter Cup, I don't really have much trouble resisting candy, but I know that lots of people do. Here are a few tips:

Give the neighborhood kids candy that you absolutely can't stand, like Tootsie Rolls or Dum Dum lollipops. This way, you will not be tempted to snack on the leftovers.

Acknowledge that you will just have to taste a bit of Johnny's candy when he gets home from Trick-or-Treating. Eat a piece and enjoy it. This will keep you from bingeing one day later on.

If you have a sweet tooth, factor in some extra exercise for a week or two to combat the extra calories. Lord knows you don't want to enter the holiday season with extra weight from Halloween.

Let each of your children choose ten pieces of candy to keep. Then give the rest of it away. After your children have counted their treasures, you won't be able to steal their candy without dire repercussions!

Be mindful of what you eat. One Snickers bar has 271 calories. If you are a 140 pound woman and you walk at a moderate pace (3 miles per hour) for 45 minutes, you will burn just 105 calories. It takes a lot of work to rid yourself of those calories. If it is worth it, go for it. If not, skip the candy bar.